Washington, United States – Russian Ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, on Friday asked the United States to remove sanctions barriers to revive the Black Sea grain initiative.
“Local officials, engaged in myth-making, are once again shifting from a sick head to a healthy one. Russia has repeatedly, primarily at the highest level, emphasized that the door to restoring the work of the “Black Sea Initiative” remains open. It is only necessary to ensure the legitimate demands of the Russian Side for strict implementation of the interconnected Istanbul agreements,” the diplomat said as quoted in the embassy’s Telegram Channel.
Antonov’s statement comes in response to recent comments by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who expressed skepticism about a swift return to the initiative, citing evolving Russian requirements.
Ambassador Antonov stressed that Russia has consistently expressed its willingness to reopen the doors to the Black Sea Initiative. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the interconnected Istanbul agreements, which not only pertain to the Ukrainian aspect but also encompass a crucial Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Federation and the United Nations Secretariat, aimed at promoting Russian food products and fertilizers in global markets.
Sullivan’s remarks, indicating a perceived reluctance on Russia’s part to facilitate the free flow of grain to world markets, were met with a rebuttal from Ambassador Antonov. He called on the White House to transition from making empty allegations to actually dismantling sanctions that hinder the restoration of the Black Sea grain initiative.